DRIVING rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of thousands of revellers as South Wales celebrated the New Year in style.

In Cardiff, families turned out in parkas and waterproofs to take part in the city’s annual Calennig celebration at City Hall, where crowds were entertained by fairground rides and free music from tribute band Utter Madness.

Taking it all in was 21-month-old Sienna Davey, who featured in the Echo on her first birthday in March last year.

The tot – who made a “miracle” recovery after being born with debilitating illnesses, including jaundice, pneumonia, bronchitis, a hole in the heart and a dislocated hip – was there in the early evening with mum Kerianne Jones, 31, dad Mark Davey, 34, and four-year-old sister Summer.

Sienna is currently being fed through a tube, but her family are considering having an operation in March to make eating more comfortable. Mum Kerianne said: “She’s so much healthier, you can see it in her face. She’s our little miracle.”

The family have a lot to look forward to in 2012, with Kerianne and Mark hoping to get married in June.

“We’re hoping she will maybe crawl down the aisle,” added Kerianne.

Families enjoyed new and traditional fairground rides as well as taking to the ice at Winter Wonderland.

Graham Harcombe, 66, of Tonypandy, was watching his five grandchildren skate round the ice rink.

“This is marvellous for the family on New Year’s Eve,” he said. “But they’re not getting me on that ice. I’ll stay on dry land as the baggage handler.”

The free entertainment – supported by local firms Admiral, BT and Fordthorne – kicked off with Motown tribute band Botown before Utter Madness claimed the stage at 11pm in advance of the fireworks display at midnight.

Councillor Nigel Howells, Cardiff council executive member for sport, leisure and culture, said: “New Year’s Eve in the capital had something for everyone.”

Police said there were 45 arrests over New Year across the whole of Cardiff which is down on previous years.

There were no serious injuries, with the majority of arrests being for drunkenness and minor public order.

Meanwhile in Mountain Ash, thousands of runners took part in the Nos Galan races.

The 5km race was founded to commemorate the life of legendary runner Guto Nyth Bran, and each year a mystery sporting hero kept secret, this time former Welsh international player Shane Williams, lays a wreath on Guto’s grave.

The Wales’ and Ospreys wing’s team mate, Ian Evans, also took part. Nos Galan committee member Andrew Morgan said: “We are delighted to once again have two great sports people representing the spirit of Guto Nyth Bran.”

The runners joined together to sing Calon Lan, a hymn which has been adopted as the anthem of the event.